Art Jameel Unveils Two-Part Exhibition “Global Positioning Systems,” Featuring Over 40 Artists Exploring Digital Cartography and Mobility
Art Jameel has announced a significant two-part group exhibition titled Global Positioning Systems, taking place at the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai and Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. This initiative marks the institution’s inaugural dual-city presence and aims to delve into the complexities of how we navigate and perceive the world around us. The exhibition will open on May 9 and run until October 4 in Dubai, while Jeddah will host it from May 20 to October 26.
Examination of Space and Movement
The exhibition revolves around how digital tools and physical infrastructures influence our experiences of movement and connectivity. According to curator Indranjan Banerjee, Global Positioning Systems builds upon Art Jameel’s ongoing curatorial research and seeks to bring together over 40 international artists across two distinct chapters in Dubai and Jeddah. Banerjee emphasized that the exhibition will explore how various systems—including infrastructures, technologies, and routes—shape conditions for movement, which are often neither neutral nor fixed.
In her perspective, these systems can be seen as partial and negotiated constructs, providing grounds for alternative methodologies in mapping the world through art. The exhibition serves as a platform to investigate the friction between digital cartography and the tangible aspects of lived experiences.
Visual Narratives by Diverse Artists
The opening chapter of Global Positioning Systems will present the works of more than 40 artists, each engaging with the themes of mobility and digital technology. Large-scale video installations, site-specific commissions, and archival materials from the Art Jameel Collection will be featured, presenting a dynamic dialogue across various media formats. Curated by Banerjee and Lucas Morin, this ambitious showcase aims to illuminate the intricate relationships that govern global trade and social interaction.
One notable artwork included in the exhibition is Counting Cars in Al Dhiyafah Road by Hassan Sharif, which reflects on movement within urban landscapes. Additionally, Study of History III by Subas Tamang will also be featured, showcasing alternative approaches to understanding our geographic and historical context.
Cross-Regional Discourse
The showcase of Global Positioning Systems aims to foster a robust cross-regional conversation that addresses issues of spatial orientation within an interconnected yet contested world. In an age where borders are increasingly porous and landscapes continually evolve, this exhibition invites participants and viewers to consider the fragility underpinning global mobility.
The exhibition seeks to engage creators from more than 20 countries, enriching the dialogue through diverse artistic expressions that resonate with the themes of navigation and place.
Exhibition Timeline and Venues
Global Positioning Systems will be displayed at Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai from May 9 to October 4, and at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah from May 20 to October 26. The initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to art curation, aiming to strike a balance between technological advancements and their impact on everyday life.
For those interested in more details regarding this exhibition, further information is available here.
